The herbage palatability and pasture grass intake by dairy cows

The pasture grass intake by dairy cows depends on many factors. Generally the herbage intake is determined by cows physical limitation, physiological control and psychogenic factors but also have an effect the grass sward characteristics. The palatability of grass mixtures and its influence on grass intake were studied in the three long-term grazing experiments. Accordingly these results the grass intake was mainly determined by the herbage allowance per cow. The palatability of grass species was different but the influence on intake was weak. In case of sufficient herbage allowance the cows choose the grass with higher palatability and quality. The dairy cows preferred grass mixtures dominated by perennial ryegrass, timothy, cocksfoot, and meadow fescue. Unwillingly were eaten the meadow foxtail, bluegrass, red fescue, tall fescue and most species spread to sward by invasion. The white clover rich (up to 35% in dry matter yield) herbage palatability was a somewhat better than that of pure grass. Increasing nitrogen fertilization (ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, and urea) rate to N300 kg ha(-1) in a pure grass stands, the grasses intake and palatability were improved as a rule. To get the best palatability of forage it is advisable to use urea or ammonium nitrate.